Grand Park in Aliso Viejo

Grand Park in Aliso Viejo is a hidden gem above Aliso Viejo Town Center. Take the kids for book shopping at Barnes & Noble or a frozen treat at Golden Spoon, then head to the fountain to run it all off. Follow the paved path up the hill to this small play area overlooking the whole valley.

Location: If you’re driving, you can either take Grand from Aliso Viejo Parkway or exit Town Center via the small street (Horizon) between Wahoo’s and the Brewery and make an immediate right up the hill on Grand. Or you can just park in the Town Center parking lot off Aliso Creek Road near the fountain and movie theater and walk up. MAP to Grand Park in Aliso Viejo

Highlights:

• Older kids will enjoy, but it’s perfect for little ones because of the fence that runs all the way around the play structure — highly suggest this park for baby/toddler play groups
• View can be spectacular on a clear day
• It’s up on a hill with a shade cover – so there’s usually a bit of a breeze
• Picnic tables and grills for family outings
• Shaded sandbox
• Convenient location next to Aliso Viejo Town Center and even the Aliso Viejo Public Library
• The City of Aliso Viejo often holds outdoor events at the lower amphitheater of Grand Park

Be Aware:

• Traffic flows fast on the hill
• Not an all-day type park – but nice for a quick play break
• One mom warned about her young toddler getting hurt on the purple climbing structure (it gets sand on it and it’s slippery). My 3 year old just kept getting stuck hanging from the rainbow-shaped bars hanging over the purple steps. Really fun, though. Just stay w/i arms reach if it worries you.
• NO bathrooms

Checklist:

• Dedicated parking spaces on both sides of Grand
• Park at Aliso Town Center if you’re ready to walk up the hill
• Sand and recycled rubber play surface
• NO bathrooms, but drinking fountains just outside the fence
• Lots of shade from shade cloth and big sycamores
• 4 benches within fence for easy viewing
• Picnic tables and grills